Practice Now, Win Later: Why Opening Financial Accounts Early Sets You Up for Game Day Success

When you’re a student-athlete, everyone talks about the importance of practice. It’s where champions are built—not under the game day lights, but in the quiet, repetitive grind of preparation. The same is true with your finances. These college years are your practice season—the time to get your reps in with budgeting, saving, and learning how …

The First Down Financial Mindset: Take Early Shots, Set Up the Score

In football, you’ve got four downs to get ten yards. On 1st and 2nd down, you have options. This is where teams take calculated risks—maybe it’s a deep pass, a play-action, or a trick play. Why? Because the consequences are lower. If it doesn’t work out, you still have more chances. But when those plays …

Bad Credit and Apartment Hunting: What Student-Athletes Can Do When Landlords Say “No”

You just found the perfect apartment—close to campus, affordable, and a decent kitchen for your meal prep. You fill out the rental application and… you get denied. Why? Your credit. Bad credit—or no credit—can slam the door on a lease, even if you’ve got enough money to pay rent. This is especially frustrating for student-athletes …

Navigating NIL Payments: Lessons from Matthew Sluka’s Experience

As student-athletes step into the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, the excitement of earning money can quickly turn sour when payment issues arise. A recent situation involving Matthew Sluka, the UNLV quarterback, has highlighted the complexities and challenges surrounding NIL deals. Sluka’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for others in the …

Can You Get Sued as a Student-Athlete for Not Abiding by Your NIL Contractual Obligations?

As a student-athlete earning income through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, you’ve entered into a world of business contracts and legal responsibilities. These contracts, whether for endorsements, sponsorships, or appearances, come with terms and conditions that both you and the other party are expected to follow. But what happens if you, as the student-athlete, …

Case Study: Strategic Financial Management for Carson Beck’s NIL Earnings

Background Carson Beck, the talented quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, has rapidly built his personal brand, culminating in a significant On3 valuation of $1.9 million. Since signing multiple NIL deals in 2023, Beck has enhanced his marketability through partnerships with various brands, including Leaf Trading Cards, Zero FG Energy Drink, and The Players Lounge, a …

Case Study: Arch Manning’s NIL Strategy and Brand Management

Background Arch Manning, the highly-touted quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, has quickly ascended to the forefront of college football’s NIL landscape. With a storied high school career and the prestigious Manning name backing him, Arch has garnered significant attention and financial opportunities since his arrival at Texas. His first known NIL deal was with Panini …

Case Study: Financial Management Strategies for Nico Iamaleava’s NIL Earnings

Background Nico Iamaleava, the promising quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers, has quickly gained national attention, not just for his on-field potential but also for his impressive NIL earnings. Since signing with Tennessee, Iamaleava has secured a multitude of deals, including a notable contract with Beats by Dre. His On3 NIL valuation stands at an impressive …

Case Study: Financial Management Strategies for Dillon Gabriel’s NIL Earnings

Background Dillon Gabriel, the talented quarterback who recently transferred from Oklahoma to Oregon for the 2024 season, has quickly become one of the top NIL earners in college sports. With an On3 valuation set at $1.7 million, Gabriel is capitalizing on his athletic prowess and marketability. Although the specifics of his NIL deals are not …

Case Study: Shedeur Sanders’ NIL Strategy and Brand Management

Background Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, has quickly risen to the pinnacle of college football’s NIL landscape with a staggering On3 valuation of $5.1 million. This valuation is a testament to his success on the field, his unique position as the son of head coach Deion Sanders, and Colorado’s transformation into a …